Can you please describe the symptoms of a weeping radiator? What was happening before they figured it out?

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Seriously, it's a bit of a job. They have to (obviously) drain coolant, remove the front wheels, wheel arch covers, headlights, access panels, grilles, clam, etc. Then you can start to even see the radiator... There's more to remove but I'm sure Don can answer better. Expect a full day at least...

Best..

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In addition to my posts on Larry's Lotus Photoblog #5, I've created my own new website to help me share my passion for the best credited car photography in the world. I typically post often, so visit whenever you like. Click here: https://larrysbestcarphotos.com/

I would suspect that in this context, it is a radiator that has a slight leak (usually under pressure) at one of the joints where the tubes meet the header tanks. The fluid "weeps" out of the tiny gap (or crack) and slowly leaks fluid. I may be noticed by coolant on the ground under the car, but it may not be that much of a leak. A smell of coolant when things are hot would be one sign. Residue left on the various surfaces after the coolant has evaporated would be another sign.

Old style radiators would just be re-soldered, but newer radiators that have crimped on tanks (often made of plastic) usually cannot be repaired and must be replaced. I don't know if the Elise radiator falls into this category, but in any case, even to repair the radiator, it must be removed from the car. For "normal" cars (i.e. old fashioned), removing the radiator can be a simple job that can be done if 15 minutes - longer if other things (fan shrouds, under trays, cooling fans, etc.) have to be removed...

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